March 2020 Newsletter

Rabbi’s Message
Rabbi John Franken
March 2020 - Adar/Nisan 5780
Dear Friends:
While few of us can vote in Israel’s elections on March 2, nearly everyone reading this
can vote in the World Zionist elections running through March 11. That is because the
World Zionist elections are open to every Jewish person over the age of 18 who is a U.S.
resident and committed to the proposition of a national home for the Jewish people
that today we call the State of Israel.
These elections are important because the World Zionist Congress is effectively the
parliament of the Jewish people. Moreover, whoever is elected will make key decisions
around staffing and funding of nearly $1 billion annually to such agencies such as the
Jewish National Fund (JNF), Jewish Agency for Israel and the World Zionist
Organization. The outcome is also important symbolically because a strong showing by
Reform Jews will reverberate through the wider Jewish world in terms of our demands
for religious pluralism, egalitarianism, funding parity, equality, tolerance, and peace.
Your vote is critical to ensure that Reform and liberal Jews of all stripes continue to
have a seat at the table. Please take a few moments to vote Reform if you haven’t already
done so. In doing so, you will be casting your ballot for our values and our vision of a
strong, democratic, and diverse Jewish people. Just visit www.ZionistElection.org and
you'll be on your way. It costs $7.50 and will take you all of two minutes to register and
cast your ballot.
Each of us has a stake in Jewish history and in the miracle of modern Zionism that we
call Medinat Yisrael (the State of Israel). Please take a moment to exercise your right to
vote in the World Zionist Elections.
At services March 20, I’ll be speaking about my visit to Israel in the aftermath of its
third election in a year. Please join us.
With blessings of peace,
N.B. The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund serves one of five worthy purposes: (1) supporting Temple activities, programs and
operations; (2) assisting congregants in need; (3) repair of the world and social justice; (4) support for worthy Jewish and Israeli
causes; and (5) educational and organizational advancement of the congregation, staff and clergy. Please consider honoring or
remembering your loved ones through a contribution to it.
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